Liquid crystal display apparatus

ABSTRACT

Each of branch portions of a pixel electrode and inclined portions of data lines extends in a direction different from an x direction and a y direction in a pixel region and inclined with respect to the y direction. Further, a liquid crystal layer is orientated in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region and inclined with respect to the y direction.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/922,575 filed Sep. 14, 2010, which is the Section 371 National Stageof PCT/JP2009/056274 filed Mar. 27, 2009 the entireties of which areincorporated herein by reference to the extent permitted by law. Thepresent application claims the benefit of priority to Japanese PatentApplication No. JP 2008-085497 filed on Mar. 28, 2008 in the JapanPatent Office, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference hereinto the extent permitted by law.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a liquid crystal display apparatus wherein atransverse electric field is applied to a liquid crystal layer in apixel region in which a plurality of pixels are provided in a matrix ona liquid crystal panel such that an image is displayed in the pixelregion with light emitted through the liquid crystal layer and apolarizing plate.

BACKGROUND ART

A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal panelwherein a liquid crystal layer is encapsulated between a pair ofsubstrates as a display panel. The liquid crystal panel is, for example,of the transmission type wherein it modulates illuminating light emittedfrom an illumination apparatus such as a backlight provided on the rearface of the liquid crystal panel and transmits the modulated lighttherethrough. Then, display of an image is carried out on the front faceof the liquid crystal panel with the modulated illuminating light.

The liquid crystal panel built in the liquid crystal display apparatusis, for example, of the active matrix type and includes a TFT arraysubstrate having a pixel region in which a plurality of thin filmtransistors (TFTs) which function as pixel switching elements areformed, an opposing substrate opposing so as to face the TFT arraysubstrate, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the TFT arraysubstrate and the opposing substrate.

In the liquid crystal panel of the active matrix type, an electric fieldproduced between a pixel electrode and a common electrode by inputting apotential to the pixel electrode from a pixel switching element isapplied to the liquid crystal layer to vary the orientation of liquidcrystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer. By this, the transmissionfactor of light to be transmitted through the pixel is controlled tomodulate the light to pass therethrough to carry out display of animage.

In such a liquid crystal panel as just described, in addition to a TN(Twisted Nematic) mode, an ECB (Electrically Controlled Birefringence)mode, a vertical orientation mode and so forth, various display modessuch as an IPS (In-Plane-Switching) type and an FFS (Fringe FieldSwitching) type are known as modes wherein a transverse electric fieldis applied to a liquid crystal layer (refer to, for example, PatentDocument 1 and Patent Document 2). In the modes wherein a transverseelectric field is applied, it has been proposed to apply dual domains(refer to, for example, Patent Document 3).

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 10-170924-   Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-226200-   Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-264231

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

A liquid crystal display apparatus is incorporated, for example, in aportable mobile apparatus. In such an instance, it is necessitated toconfigure the liquid crystal display apparatus such that an imagedisplayed thereon can be visually observed by a user in any of alandscape (horizontally long) state wherein a pixel region of arectangular shape on which an image is to be displayed is long in an xdirection and a portrait (vertically long) state wherein the pixelregion is long in a y direction.

However, for example, where a user is outdoors, the user sometimesvisually observes an image on the screen through polarizing sunglasses.Therefore, in the case wherein the liquid crystal display apparatus isof the transverse electric field type such as the IPS type or the FFStype described above, the visibility sometimes drops in response to anangle when the user visually observes the screen.

FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing part of pixels provided ina pixel region of a liquid crystal display apparatus of the FFS type. InFIG. 11, part of a pixel on a TFT array substrate is shown.

As shown in FIG. 11, on the TFT array substrate, a pixel switchingelement 31, a pixel electrode 62 a, a data line S1 and a gate line G1are formed. In addition, though not shown, a common electrode isprovided in an opposing relationship to the pixel electrode 62 a on theTFT array substrate.

Here, the pixel switching element 31 is, for example, a bottom gate typeTFT as shown in FIG. 11.

Further, the pixel electrode 62 a is formed in a comb-tooth shape on anxy plane defined by an x direction and a y direction which define thepixel region as shown in FIG. 11. In particular, as shown in FIG. 11,the pixel electrode 62 a has a trunk portion 62 ak and a branch portion62 ae, and the trunk portion 62 ak extends in the x direction and aplurality of such branch portions 62 ae extend in the y direction. Thepixel electrode 62 a is electrically connected to the drain electrode ofthe pixel switching element 31.

Further, the data line S1 extends in the y direction as shown in FIG. 11and is electrically connected to the source electrode of the pixelswitching element 31.

The gate line G1 extends in the x direction as shown in FIG. 11 and iselectrically connected to the gate electrode of the pixel switchingelement 31.

As shown in FIG. 11, the liquid crystal layer is subject to anorientation process by carrying out a rubbing process setting therubbing direction RH to a direction inclined by a predetermined angle θ(for example, 5°) with respect to a direction in which the branchportion 62 ae of the pixel electrode 62 a and the data line S1 extend inthe pixel region PA.

As described above, in the case of the transverse electric field typesuch as the FFS type, the pixel electrode 62 a has a comb-tooth shape,and the plural branch portions 62 ae thereof extend in the y direction.Therefore, since the transmission axis along which light is transmittedthrough the liquid crystal panel is determined depending upon thedirection in which the branch portions 62 ae extend, when the pixelregion of a rectangular shape is placed into a state in the landscapestate, for example, the transmission axis of the pixel region extendsalong the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, when the pixelregion is placed into a state in the portrait state, for example, thetransmission axis extends along a lateral direction of the screen of arectangular shape.

The polarizing sunglasses include polarizing elements having atransmission axis along the x direction or the y direction such that auser will visually observe an image through the polarizing elements.

Therefore, when a state of one of the landscape state and the portraitstate is entered, the transmission axis of the liquid crystal panel andthe transmission axis of the polarizing sunglasses are sometimes muchdifferent from each other. Therefore, it sometimes becomes difficult forthe user to visually observe an image displayed on the liquid crystalpanel.

Accordingly, as described hereinabove, the visibility of the screensometimes deteriorates in response to the angle when the user visuallyobserves the screen.

In order to eliminate this fault, a method of disposing a phasedifference plate on a face of a liquid crystal panel is available. Inthis instance, however, the fabrication cost increases, and light isabsorbed by the phase difference plate. Therefore, since the lighttransmittance drops generally, the image quality sometimes drops.

Further, by setting the transmission axis of the liquid crystal panelwith respect to the sides of the screen of a rectangular shape, thevisibility of the polarizing sunglasses can be improved. For example,the angle of the direction in which the branch portions of thecomb-tooth electrode described hereinabove extend is inclined at anangle of 45° with respect to the sides of the screen. However, when thebranch portions of the comb-tooth electrode are inclined, domainsthrough which light is not transmitted sometimes increase, resulting indecrease of the light transmittance, and the image quality sometimesdrops.

Further, where data lines are connected in the pixel region in which thepixels are disposed in the x direction and the y direction so as toconnect to pixels juxtaposed in a direction inclined with respect to they direction in order to incline the transmission axis of the liquidcrystal panel with respect to the y direction, a scanning signal and adata signal produced so as to be displayed using the line sequentialsystem cannot be used as they are, but it becomes necessary toseparately carry out a signal process for converting the signals.Therefore, such faults as increase of the fabrication cost anddeterioration of the image quality by delay by the signal processsometimes occur, and the visibility drops.

In this manner, it sometimes is difficult to improve the visibility dueto occurrence of such faults as described above.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a liquid crystal displayapparatus which can improve the visibility.

According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid crystaldisplay apparatus wherein, in a pixel region of a liquid crystal panelin which a plurality of pixels are provided in a matrix in a firstdirection and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, apixel electrode and a common electrode apply a transverse electric fieldto a liquid crystal layer such that an image is displayed in the pixelregion with light emitted through the liquid crystal layer and apolarizing plate, wherein the liquid crystal panel has a plurality offirst wire lines disposed in a spaced relationship from each other inthe second direction with regard to the plural pixels so as to definethe plural pixels juxtaposed in the second direction, and a plurality ofsecond wire lines disposed in a spaced relationship from each other inthe first direction with regard to the plural pixels so as to define theplural pixels juxtaposed in the first direction; each of the second wirelines includes an inclined portion extending in a direction differentfrom the first direction and the second direction in the pixel regionand inclined with respect to the second direction; the pixel electrodeincludes a trunk portion extending in the first direction, and a branchportion connected to the trunk portion and extending in a directiondifferent from the first direct and the second direction in the pixelregion and inclined with respect to the second direction, and aplurality of such branch portions are provided in a spaced relationshipfrom each other in the first direction; and the liquid layer includesliquid crystal molecules orientated in an inclined relationship withrespect to the first direction or the second direction in the pixelregion.

Preferably, the image displayed with the light emitted through theliquid crystal layer and the polarizing plate in the pixel region isvisually observed through a polarizing element whose transmission axiscoincides with the first direction or the second direction.

Preferably, the branch portions extend along a direction along which theinclined portions of the second wire lines extend.

Preferably, each of the inclined portions of the second wire lines andthe branch portions extends in a direction inclined within an angularrange equal to or greater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45° withrespect to the second direction in the pixel region.

Preferably, each of the inclined portions of the second wire lines andthe branch portions extends in a direction inclined at the angle of 45°with respect to the second direction in the pixel region.

Preferably, each of the second wire lines includes a bent portion bentlike a staircase in the first direction and the second direction so asto be spaced away from another second wire line provided so as tocorrespond to another adjacent pixel in the pixel region.

Preferably, each of the inclined portions of the second wire linesincludes a first inclined portion extending in a third directiondifferent from the first direction and the second direction, and asecond inclined portion extending in a fourth direction different fromthe first direction, second direction and third direction, and the firstinclined portion and the second inclined portion are formed so as tocorrespond to one pixel in the pixel region.

Preferably, each of the inclined portions of the second wire linesincludes a first inclined portion extending in a third directiondifferent from the first direction and the second direction, and asecond inclined portion extending in a fourth direction different fromthe first direction, second direction and third direction, and the firstinclined portion and the second inclined portion are disposedalternately in the plural pixels juxtaposed in the second direction inthe pixel region.

In the present invention, each of the branch portions of the pixelelectrode and the inclined portions of the second wire lines extends inthe direction different from the first direction and the seconddirection in the pixel region and inclined with respect to the seconddirection. Further, the liquid crystal layer is orientated in thedirection different from the first direction and the second direction inthe pixel region and inclined with respect to the second direction.

According to the present invention, a liquid crystal display apparatuswhich can improve the visibility can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a liquid crystaldisplay apparatus 100 in an embodiment 1 according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a liquid crystal panel 200 in theembodiment 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view schematically showing part of a pixel Pprovided in a pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel 200 in theembodiment 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a subpixel of the pixel P provided in the pixelregion PA in the embodiment 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a pixel switching element 31 in theembodiment 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing part of an opposing substrate 202 in theembodiment 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing part of a TFT arraysubstrate 201 in a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA in anembodiment 2 according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing part of the TFT arraysubstrate 201 in the pixel P provided in the pixel region PA where adata line S1 is formed without providing a bent portion Sip in theembodiment 2 according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing part of a TFT arraysubstrate 201 in a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA in anembodiment 3 according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing part of a TFT arraysubstrate 201 in a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA in anembodiment 4 according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing part of a pixel provided ina pixel region in a liquid crystal display apparatus of the FFS type.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

An example of embodiments of the present invention is described.

<Embodiment 1>

(Configuration of the Liquid Crystal Display Apparatus)

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a liquid crystaldisplay apparatus 100 in an embodiment 1 according to the presentinvention.

The liquid crystal display apparatus 100 of the present embodiment has aliquid crystal panel 200 and a backlight 300 as shown in FIG. 1. Thecomponents are described in order.

The liquid crystal panel 200 is of the active matrix type, and a TFTarray substrate 201 and an opposing substrate 202 face each other in aspaced relationship from each other as shown in FIG. 1. A liquid crystallayer 203 is provided in such a manner as to be sandwiched between theTFT array substrate 201 and the opposing substrate 202.

As shown in FIG. 1, the backlight 300 is disposed in such a manner as tobe positioned on the TFT array substrate 201 side of the liquid crystalpanel 200, and illuminating light R emitted from the backlight 300 isirradiated upon the face of the TFT array substrate 201 on the oppositeside to the face which opposes to the opposing substrate 202. Althoughdetails are hereinafter described, the liquid crystal panel 200 includesa pixel region PA in which a plurality of pixels (not shown) aredisposed for displaying an image. The liquid crystal panel 200 receivesthe illuminating light R emitted from the backlight 300 installed on therear face side of the liquid crystal panel 200 through a firstpolarizing plate 206 and modulates the illuminating light R receivedfrom the rear face thereof in the pixel region PA. Here, a TFT (notshown) is provided as a pixel switching element so as to correspond toeach pixel on the TFT array substrate 201, and the pixel switchingelement (not shown) carries out switching control of a pixel to modulatethe illuminating light R received from the rear face. Then, themodulated illuminating light R is emitted to the front face side througha second polarizing plate 207 so that an image is displayed in the pixelregion PA. In short, the liquid crystal panel 200 of the presentembodiment is of the transmission type, and a color image is displayed,for example, on the front face side of the liquid crystal panel 200.

In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display apparatus 100 is,for example, of the normally black type, and various components such asthe first polarizing plate 206 and the second polarizing plate 207 aredisposed such that, when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystallayer 203 in the liquid crystal panel 200, the light transmittance dropsto carry out black display, but when a voltage is applied to the liquidcrystal layer 203, the light transmittance rises. In particular, thetransmission axes of the components are disposed such that, when novoltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 203, light is blocked bythe second polarizing plate 207 to carry out black display, but when avoltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer 203, light is transmittedfrom the second polarizing plate 207.

Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display apparatus100 is incorporated in a portable mobile apparatus, and an imagedisplayed by light emitted through the liquid crystal layer 203 and thesecond polarizing plate 207 in the pixel region PA is visually observedby a user, who wears polarizing sunglasses each including a polarizingelement having a transmission axis in the x direction or the ydirection, through the polarizing elements in a state wherein the liquidcrystal display apparatus 100 is in the landscape (horizontally long)orientation or the portrait (vertically long) orientation.

As shown in FIG. 1, the backlight 300 is opposed to the rear face of theliquid crystal panel 200, and emits the illuminating light R to thepixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel 200.

In particular, the backlight 300 is disposed so as to be positioned onthe TFT array substrate 201 side from between the TFT array substrate201 and the opposing substrate 202 which configure the liquid crystalpanel 200. The backlight 300 irradiates the illuminating light R uponthe face of the TFT array substrate 201 on the opposite side to the facewhich opposes to the opposing substrate 202. Here, for example, whitelight is irradiated as the illuminating light R. In short, the backlight300 irradiates the illuminating light R so as to advance from the TFTarray substrate 201 side toward the opposing substrate 202 side.

(Configuration of the Liquid Crystal Panel)

A general configuration of the liquid crystal panel 200 is described.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the liquid crystal panel 200 in theembodiment 1 according to the present invention.

The liquid crystal panel 200 has the pixel region PA and a peripheralregion CA as shown in FIG. 2.

In the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel 200, a plurality ofpixels P are disposed along the face thereof as shown in FIG. 2. Inparticular, in the pixel region PA, a plurality of pixels P are disposedin a matrix such that they are juxtaposed in an x direction and a ydirection which is perpendicular to the x direction. The pixels P aredriven by a line-sequential method to display an image.

On the liquid crystal panel 200, the peripheral region CA is positionedso as to surround the periphery of the pixel region PA as shown in FIG.2. In the peripheral region CA, a vertical driving circuit 11 and ahorizontal driving circuit 12 are formed as shown in FIG. 2. Forexample, the vertical driving circuit 11 and the horizontal drivingcircuit 12 are configured from semiconductor elements formed similarlyto the pixel switching elements described hereinabove. The verticaldriving circuit 11 and the horizontal driving circuit 12 individuallydrive the plural pixels P provided in the pixel region PA, for example,by a line-sequential method to execute image display.

(Configuration of the Pixel Region of the Liquid Crystal Panel)

FIG. 3 is a sectional view schematically showing part of a pixel Pprovided in the pixel region PA of the liquid crystal panel 200 in theembodiment 1 according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal panel 200 has the TFT arraysubstrate 201, opposing substrate 202, and liquid crystal layer 203. Inthe liquid crystal panel 200, the TFT array substrate 201 and theopposing substrate 202 are pasted to each other in a spaced relationshipfrom each other as shown in FIG. 3, and the liquid crystal layer 203 isprovided in the gap between the TFT array substrate 201 and the opposingsubstrate 202. For example, spacers (not shown) are interposed betweenthe TFT array substrate 201 and the opposing substrate 202 such that theTFT array substrate 201 and the opposing substrate 202 are opposed toeach other with a gap left therebetween and are pasted to each otherusing a seal material (not shown). In the present embodiment, the liquidcrystal panel 200 is configured so as to be ready for a display mode ofthe FFS type.

In this liquid crystal panel 200, the TFT array substrate 201 is asubstrate of an insulator which transmits light therethrough and isformed, for example, from glass. As shown in FIG. 3, pixel electrodes 62a, a common electrode 62 b and data lines S1 are formed on a face of theTFT array substrate 201 which opposes to the opposing substrate 202.

Further, in the liquid crystal panel 200, the opposing substrate 202 isa substrate of an insulator which transmits light therethrough and isformed, for example, from glass similarly to the TFT array substrate201. As shown in FIG. 3, the opposing substrate 202 opposes to the TFTarray substrate 201 in a spaced relationship from each other. A colorfilter layer 21 is formed on a face of the opposing substrate 202 whichopposes to the TFT array substrate 201 as shown in FIG. 3. Here, thecolor filter layer 21 includes a red filter layer 21R, a green filterlayer 21G and a blue filter layer 21B such that the three primary colorsof red, green and blue form one set.

Details of the TFT array substrate 201 which configure the liquidcrystal panel 200 are described.

FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing part of the TFT arraysubstrate 201 with regard to a pixel P provided in the pixel region PAin the embodiment 1 according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, different slanting lines are applied depending uponmaterials from which the individual members are configured as shown in alegend. It is to be noted that, while, in FIG. 4, subpixelscorresponding to the red filter layer 21R in the pixel P shown in FIG. 3are shown, also members of each of subpixels corresponding to the greenfilter layer 21G and blue filter layer 21B are formed similarly as inthe case of the subpixel corresponding to the red filter layer 21R.

As shown in FIG. 4, in addition to the members shown in FIG. 3 of thepixel electrodes 62 a, common electrode 62 b and data lines S1, pixelswitching elements 31 and gate lines G1 are formed on the TFT arraysubstrate 201. The pixel switching elements 31 and the gate lines G1 areformed on a face of the TFT array substrate 201 which opposes to theopposing substrate 202.

Various portions provided on the TFT array substrate 201 are describedsuccessively.

On the TFT array substrate 201, through not shown in FIG. 3, the pixelswitching elements 31 are formed on a face of the TFT array substrate201 which opposes to the opposing substrate 202, and are covered with aninterlayer insulating film 60 a.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a pixel switching element 31 in theembodiment 1 according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pixel switching element 31 includes a gateelectrode 45, a gate insulating film 46 g and a semiconductor layer 48and is formed as a bottom gate type TFT of a LDD (Lightly Doped Drain)structure.

In particular, in the pixel switching element 31, the gate electrode 45is provided on a face of the TFT array substrate 201 in such a manner asto oppose to a channel region 48C of the semiconductor layer 48 throughthe gate insulating film 46 g as shown in FIG. 5. Here, the gateelectrode 45 is formed using a metal material such as, for example,molybdenum as shown in FIG. 4.

Further, in the pixel switching element 31, the gate insulating film 46g is formed in such a manner as to cover the gate electrode 45 as shownin FIG. 5. Here, the gate insulating film 46 g is formed using aninsulating material such as a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitridefilm.

Further, in the pixel switching element 31, the semiconductor layer 48has the channel region 48C formed thereon in such a manner as tocorrespond to the gate electrode 45 as shown in FIG. 5, and a pair ofsource-drain regions 48A and 48B are formed in such a manner as tosandwich the channel region 48C therebetween. The source-drain regions48A and 48B in pair have a pair of low concentration impurity regions48AL and 48BL formed thereon in such a manner as to sandwich the channelregion 48C therebetween. Further, a pair of high concentration impurityregions 48AH and 48BH having a higher impurity concentration than thelow concentration impurity regions 48AL and 48BL are formed in such amanner as to sandwich the low concentration impurity regions 48AL and48BL therebetween. Here, the semiconductor layer 48 is formed using asemiconductor material such as, for example, polycrystalline silicon asshown in FIG. 4, and the source-drain regions 48A and 48B in pair areprovided in a juxtaposed relationship in a direction perpendicular tothe x direction along which the gate lines G1 extend such that thechannel region 48C is sandwiched by the source-drain regions 48A and48B.

In the pixel switching element 31, a source electrode 53 is provided soas to be electrically connected to the one source-drain region 48A whilea drain electrode 54 is provided so as to be connected to the othersource-drain region 48A. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the sourceelectrode 53 is connected to the data line S1 through a contact (notshown), and the drain electrode 54 is connected to the pixel electrode62 a through a contact (not shown). Here, the source electrode 53 andthe drain electrode 54 are formed using a conductive material such asaluminum.

In the TFT array substrate 201, the pixel electrode 62 a is formed onthe face of the TFT array substrate 201 which opposes to the opposingsubstrate 202 as shown in FIG. 3.

Here, the pixel electrode 62 a is provided, as shown in FIG. 3, on aninsulating film 60 c formed from an insulating material in such a manneras to cover the common electrode 62 b on the TFT array substrate 201.For example, the pixel electrode 62 a is formed on the insulating film60 c formed as a silicon nitride film. This pixel electrode 62 a isprovided so as to correspond to the red filter layer 21R, green filterlayer 21G and blue filter layer 21B which configure the color filterlayer 21 as shown in FIG. 3. The pixel electrode 62 is a so-calledtransparent electrode and is formed using, for example, ITO.

Meanwhile, the pixel electrode 62 a is electrically connected to thedrain electrode 54 of the pixel switching element 31 as shown in FIG. 4.The pixel electrode 62 a generates a transverse electric field betweenthe pixel electrode 62 a and the common electrode 62 b by a potentialsupplied thereto as an image signal from the pixel switching element 31to apply a voltage to the liquid crystal layer 203.

In the present embodiment, since the liquid crystal panel 200 is of theFFS type, the pixel electrode 62 a is formed in a comb-tooth shape in adirection of the xy face of the TFT array substrate 201 opposing to theopposing substrate 202 as shown in FIG. 4.

In particular, the pixel electrode 62 a has a trunk portion 62 ak and abranch portion 62 ae as shown in FIG. 4.

In the pixel electrode 62 a, the trunk portion 62 ak extends in the xdirection as shown in FIG. 4. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality ofgate lines G1 extending in the x direction are juxtaposed in a spacedrelationship from each other in the y direction, and two trunk portions62 ak are provided between the plural gate lines G1 juxtaposed in the ydirection.

In the pixel electrode 62 a, the branch portion 62 ae is connected tothe trunk portion 62 ak and extends in a direction different from the xdirection and the y direction and inclined with respect to the ydirection as shown in FIG. 4. A plurality of such branch portions 62 aeare disposed so as to be juxtaposed in a spaced relationship from eachother in the x direction as shown in FIG. 4, and the plural branchportions 62 ae are connected at one end portion thereof to the trunkportion 62 ak and extend so as to be parallel to each other. In thepresent embodiment, a plurality of data lines S1 extending in adirection different from the x direction and the y direction andinclined with respect to the y direction are provided and juxtaposed ina spaced relationship from each other in the x direction as shown inFIG. 4. For example, four branch portions 62 ae are provided between theplural gate lines G1 juxtaposed in the y direction. Further, the branchportions 62 ae are formed so as to extend in the direction along whichthe data lines S1 extend. Here, the branch portions 62 ae preferablyextend in a direction inclined within an angular range equal to orgreater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45° with respect to the ydirection, and in the present embodiment, the branch portions 62 ae areinclined, for example, at an angle of 20°.

In the TFT array substrate 201, the common electrode 62 b is formed onthe face side of the TFT array substrate 201 which opposes to theopposing substrate 202 as shown in FIG. 3. Here, the common electrode 62b is provided on a flattening film 60 b formed on the TFT arraysubstrate 201. For example, the common electrode 62 b is provided on theflattening film 60 b formed from an organic compound such as an acrylicresin. The common electrode 62 b is a so-called transparent electrodeand is formed, for example, using ITO. The common electrode 62 b opposesto the plural pixel electrodes 62 a provided so as to correspond to theplural pixels P with the insulating film 60 c interposed therebetween.In the present embodiment, since the liquid crystal panel 200 is of theFFS type, the common electrode 62 b is formed solidly so as to cover theoverall area of the pixel region PA in the direction of the xy plane ofthe TFT array substrate 201 opposing to the opposing substrate 202.

On the TFT array substrate 201, each data line S1 is formed on the faceside of the TFT array substrate 201 which opposes to the opposingsubstrate 202 as shown in FIG. 3. Here, the data line S1 is provided onthe interlayer insulating film 60 a formed on the TFT array substrate201.

As shown in FIG. 4, the data line S1 is formed using a metal materialsuch as, for example, aluminum. The data line S1 is electricallyconnected to the source electrode 53 of the pixel switching element 31.

Further, a plurality of such data lines S1 are provided in a spacedrelationship from each other in the x direction as shown in FIG. 4.Here, the plural data lines S1 are provided in a plurality of pixels Pin such a manner as to define the plural pixels P juxtaposed in the xdirection.

In the present embodiment, each data line S1 includes an inclinedportion S1 k, a horizontal portion S1 x and a leader portion S1 h asshown in FIG. 4, and the data lines S1 are formed in the plural pixels Pso as to correspond to the plural pixels P juxtaposed in the ydirection.

The inclined portion S1 k of the data line S1 extends in a directiondifferent from the x direction and the y direction and inclined withrespect to the y direction in the pixel region PA as shown in FIG. 4.The inclined portion S1 k of the data line S1 preferably extends in adirection inclined within an angular range equal to or greater than 2°but equal to or smaller than 45° in the pixel region PA similarly to thebranch portion 62 ae of the pixel electrode 62 a, and in the presentembodiment, the inclined portion S1 k is inclined at an angle of, forexample, 20°.

Further, the horizontal portion S1 x of the data line S1 extends in thex direction in the pixel region PA as shown in FIG. 4. In particular,the horizontal portion S1 x is connected to an upper end portion of theinclined portion S1 k and extends to the left side in the x directionfrom the upper end portion as shown in FIG. 4. Further, the horizontalportion S1 x is connected to a lower end portion of the inclined portionS1 k of the data line S1 provided in a subpixel of another adjacentpixel P. In the present embodiment, the horizontal portion S1 x isprovided in an overlapping relationship with the gate line G1 providedso as to extend in the x direction as shown in FIG. 4.

Further, the leader portion S1 h of the data line S1 is formed so as todraw a channel shape as shown in FIG. 4. In particular, the leaderportion S1 h first extends from the upper end portion of the inclinedportion S1 k to the upper side in the y direction in the pixel regionPA, and extends to the right side in the x direction, and then extendsto the lower side in the y direction until it is connected to the sourceelectrode 53 of the pixel switching element 31.

On the TFT array substrate 201, though not shown in FIG. 3, the gateline G1 is formed on a face of the TFT array substrate 201 such that itis integrated with the gate electrode 45 shown in FIG. 5. In particular,the gate line G1 is electrically connected to the gate electrode 45 ofthe pixel switching element 31 as shown in FIG. 4 and formed on the faceof the TFT array substrate 201 on the side which opposes to the opposingsubstrate 202, and is covered with the interlayer insulating film 60 ashown in FIG. 3. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the gate line G1 is formedusing a metal material such as, for example, molybdenum. This gate lineG1 extends in the x direction as shown in FIG. 4, and a plurality ofsuch gate lines G1 are provided in a spaced relationship from each otherin the y direction in such a manner as to define a plurality of pixels Pjuxtaposed in the y direction. The plural gate lines G1 are connected tothe vertical driving circuit 11 shown in FIG. 1, and when image displayis to be carried out, a scanning signal is supplied successively to thegate lines G1 to place the individual pixel switching elements 31 intoan on state.

Details of the opposing substrate 202 which configures the liquidcrystal panel 200 described above are described.

The color filter layer 21 provided on the opposing substrate 202 isformed on the face of the opposing substrate 202 which opposes to theTFT array substrate 201 as shown in FIG. 3. The color filter layer 21 isformed such that the three primary colors of red, green and blue makeone set and includes a red filter layer 21R, a green filter layer 21Gand a blue filter layer 21B. For example, each of the red filter layer21R, green filter layer 21G and blue filter layer 21B is formed byapplying application liquid containing a coloring pigment correspondingto the color and a photoresist material by a coating method such as aspin coating method to form a coating film and then carrying patterningworking of the coating film by a lithography technique. Here, forexample, a polyimide resin is used as the photoresist material. Each ofthe red filter layer 21R, green filter layer 21G and blue filter layer21B is configured such that illuminating light R emitted from thebacklight 300 is colored and transmitted from the TFT array substrate201 side to the opposing substrate 202 side. In particular, the redfilter layer 21R colors the white illuminating light R into red, thegreen filter layer 21G colors the illuminating light R into green, andthe blue filter layer 21B colors the illuminating light R into blue, totransmit the illuminating light R therethrough.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing part of the opposing substrate 202 in theembodiment 1 according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the red filter layer 21R, green filter layer 21G andblue filter layer 21B which configure the color filter layer 21 areformed so as to be juxtaposed with each other in the x direction. Here,each portion is formed so as to correspond to the pixel electrode 62 adescribed hereinabove, and in the present embodiment, the red filterlayer 21R, green filter layer 21G and blue filter layer 21B extend in adirection inclined with respect to the y direction similarly to thebranch portion 62 ae of the pixel electrode 62 a as shown in FIG. 6.

Details of the liquid crystal layer 203 which configures the liquidcrystal panel 200 described above are described.

In the liquid crystal panel 200, the liquid crystal layer 203 issandwiched between the TFT array substrate 201 and the opposingsubstrate 202 as shown in FIG. 3.

Further, the liquid crystal layer 203 is oriented by liquid crystalorientation films (not shown) formed on faces of the TFT array substrate201 and the opposing substrate 202 which oppose to each other. Theliquid crystal layer 203 is oriented such that the longitudinaldirection of liquid crystal molecules extends along the direction of thexy face along which the TFT array substrate 201 and the opposingsubstrate 202 oppose to each other. Here, the liquid crystal layer 203is configured using positive type liquid crystal.

In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquidcrystal layer 203 are oriented in a direction different from the xdirection and the y direction in the pixel region PA and inclined withrespect to the y direction. In particular, the liquid crystal moleculesof the liquid crystal layer 203 are oriented so as to be inclinedfurther, for example, by an angle θ of 5° from an angle by which thebranch portion 62 ae of the pixel electrode 62 a and the inclinedportion S1 k of the data line S1 are inclined with respect to the ydirection in the pixel region PA. In short, the liquid crystal layer 203is subject to an orientation process by carry out a rubbing processsetting the rubbing direction RH to an angle inclined, for example, bythe angle θ of 5° with respect to the direction in which the branchportion 62 ae of the pixel electrode 62 a and the inclined portion S1 kof the data line S1 extend in the pixel region PA as shown in FIG. 4. Itis to be noted that the angle θ of the inclination with respect to thedirection in which the branch portion 62 ae of the pixel electrode 62 aand the inclined portion S1 k of the data line S1 extend in the pixelregion PA preferably is within a range equal to or greater than 2° butequal to or smaller than 45°. Further, the first polarizing plate 206 isdisposed on the light incoming side of the liquid crystal panel 200 suchthat the light transmission axis thereof corresponds to the orientationdirection of the liquid crystal layer 203. Further, the secondpolarizing plate 207 is disposed on the light outgoing side of theliquid crystal panel 200 such that the light transmission axis thereofextends perpendicularly to the light transmission axis of the firstpolarizing plate 206.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the branch portion 62 aeof the pixel electrode 62 a extends in a direction different from the xdirection and the y direction in the pixel region PA and inclined withrespect to the y direction. Further, the liquid crystal molecules of theliquid crystal layer 203 are oriented similarly in a direction differentfrom the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region PA andinclined with respect to the y direction.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a user wearing polarizingsunglasses including polarizing elements having an transmission axiscoincident with the x direction or the y direction in the pixel regionPA observes an image displayed in the pixel region PA through thepolarizing elements, in any of the landscape state and the portraitstate, the transmission axis along which light is transmitted throughthe polarizing elements is not different by a great amount from thetransmission axis along which light is transmitted through the liquidcrystal panel 200 and the second polarizing plate 207. Therefore,according to the present embodiment, the visibility when the uservisually recognizes an image displayed on the screen is improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, also the inclined portion S1 k ofthe data line S1 extends in a direction different from the x directionand the y direction in the pixel region PA and inclined with respect tothe y direction similarly to the branch portion 62 ae of the pixelelectrode 62 a. Here, the inclination angle of the branch portion 62 aeof the pixel electrode 62 a and the inclination angle of the inclinedportion S1 k of the data line S1 coincide with each other, and thebranch portion 62 ae of the pixel electrode 62 a and the inclinedportion S1 k of the data line S1 extend along the same direction.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, that a domain throughwhich light is not transmitted is generated in the pixel region PA canbe suppressed, and therefore, the light transmittance can be improvedand the image quality can be improved.

Particularly, in the present embodiment, the inclined portion S1 k ofthe data line S1 and the branch portion 62 ae of the pixel electrode 62a extend in a direction inclined within an angular range equal to orgreater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45° with respect to the ydirection in the pixel region PA. Where the inclination angle is smallerthan 2°, the effects cannot sometimes be exhibited sufficiently, butwhere the inclination angle is greater than 45°, the light transmittancesometimes drops. Therefore, since the transmission axis along whichlight is transmitted through the polarizing element is not different bya great amount from the transmission axis along which light istransmitted through the liquid crystal panel 200 and the secondpolarizing plate 207, this is more preferable. It is to be noted that,where the transmission axes are inclined at the angle of 45° withrespect to the y direction in the pixel region PA, this is mostpreferable because the transmission axes extend along an intermediateposition between the landscape orientation and the portrait orientationin which the pixel region PA extends perpendicularly to that in thelandscape orientation.

Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of gate lines G1 areprovided in a spaced relationship from each other in the x direction inthe plural pixels P in such a manner as to define sub pixels of theplural pixels P juxtaposed in the x direction. Further, the plural datalines S1 are not formed so as to be connected to the plural pixels Pjuxtaposed in a direction inclined with respect to the y direction butare provided in a spaced relationship from each other in the y directionin the plural pixels P in such a manner as to define the plural pixels Pjuxtaposed in the y direction.

In short, while the center of gravity of the pixel is maintained, thebranch portion 62 ae of the pixel electrode 62 a and the inclinedportion S1 k of the data line S1 are inclined in a direction differentfrom the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region PA andinclined with respect to the y direction.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since it is unnecessaryto separately carry out a signal process for converting a scanningsignal and a data signal to allow display in accordance with the linesequential method, increase of the fabrication cost can be suppressedand improvement of the image quality can be implemented.

<Embodiment 2>

In the following, an embodiment 2 according to the present invention isdescribed.

FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing part of a TFT arraysubstrate 201 with regard to a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA inthe embodiment 2 according to the present invention.

The present embodiment is different from the embodiment 1 in the pixelelectrode 62 a and the data line S1 as shown in FIG. 7. Except this, thepresent embodiment is similar to the embodiment 1. Therefore,description of common components is omitted.

In the pixel electrode 62 a in the present embodiment, the branchportion 62 ae is formed so as to be inclined by an angle greater thanthat in the case of the embodiment 1 with respect to the y direction asshown in FIG. 7. For example, the branch portion 62 ae is inclined by anangle of 30°.

Further, the data line S1 in the present embodiment includes a bentportion Sip in addition to an inclined portion S1 k, a horizontalportion S1 x and a leader portion S1 h as shown in FIG. 7.

Although the inclined portion S1 k of the data line S1 is formedsimilarly to that in the embodiment 1 as shown in FIG. 7, in the presentembodiment, the inclined portion S1 k is inclined at the angle of 30°with respect to the y direction in the pixel region PA similarly to thebranch portion 62 ae.

Further, the horizontal portion S1 x of the data line S1 and the leaderportion S1 h of the data line S1 are formed similarly as in theembodiment 1 as shown in FIG. 7.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the bent portion Sip of the data line S1 isbent like a staircase in the x direction and the y direction in such amanner as to be spaced away from another data line S1 provided so as tocorrespond to a subpixel of an adjacent pixel P in the pixel region PA.In particular, the bent portion Sip extends to the upper side in the ydirection from a left side end portion of the horizontal portion S1 x inthe pixel region PA, extends to the left side in the x direction fromthe point and is connected to a lower end portion of the inclinedportion S1 k of the data line S1 provided for another pixel P positionedadjacent thereto.

FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing part of the TFT arraysubstrate 201 with regard to a pixel P provided in the pixel region PAwhere the data line S1 is formed without providing the bent portion Sipin the embodiment 2 according to the present invention.

In the case wherein the branch portion 62 ae of the pixel electrode 62 ais inclined by a great angle with respect to the y direction as in thepresent embodiment, where the data line S1 is formed without providingthe bent portion Sip, it becomes likely to contact with another dataline S1 provided so as to correspond to a subpixel of an adjacent pixelP in the pixel region PA. In this instance, a malfunction or the likeoccurs, and the image quality sometimes drops.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the data line S1 is formed so asto include the bent portion Sip as shown in FIG. 7.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, it is possible to incline theinclined portion S1 k of the data line S1 and the branch portion 62 aeof the pixel electrode 62 a to an angle proximate to 45° with respect tothe y direction in the pixel region PA. Further, since the restrictionto the inclination angle disappears, the visibility can be improvedfurther and it can be prevented readily that the data line S1 contactswith another data line S1, occurrence of the fault that the imagequality deteriorates can be prevented.

<Embodiment 3>

In the following, an embodiment 3 according to the present invention isdescribed.

FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing part of a TFT arraysubstrate 201 with regard to a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA inthe embodiment 3 according to the present invention.

The present embodiment is different from the embodiment 1 in the pixelelectrode 62 a and the data line S1 as shown in FIG. 9. Except this, thepresent embodiment is similar to the embodiment 1. Overlappingdescription of common components is omitted.

In the data line S1 in the present embodiment, the inclined portion S1 kincludes a first inclined portion S1 ka and a second inclined portion S1kb as shown in FIG. 9.

Here, the first inclined portion S1 ka extends in a direction differentfrom the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region PA andinclined with respect to the y direction as shown in FIG. 9. This firstinclined portion S1 ka extends from a lower end portion to a centralportion of the pixel P. Further, the first inclined portion S1 kapreferably extends in a direction inclined within an angular range equalto or greater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45° with respect tothe y direction in the pixel region PA. In the present embodiment, thefirst inclined portion S1 ka is inclined at an angle of, for example,25°.

Meanwhile, the second inclined portion S1 kb extends in a directiondifferent from the x direction and the y direction in the pixel regionPA and different from the extension direction in which the firstinclined portion S1 ka extends as shown in FIG. 9. This second inclinedportion S1 kb extends from a central portion to an upper end portion ofthe pixel P. This second inclined portion S1 ka preferably extends in adirection inclined within an angular range equal to or greater than 2°but equal to or smaller than 45° with respect to the y direction in thepixel region PA. In the present embodiment, the second inclined portionS1 kb is inclined by an angle of, for example, 15°.

Further, in the pixel electrode 62 a in the present embodiment, thebranch portion 62 ae is formed so as to extend along a direction alongwhich the first inclined portion S1 ka and the second inclined portionS1 kb of the inclined portion S1 k extend as shown in FIG. 9. In short,the branch portion 62 ae is inclined, within a range from a lower endportion to a central portion of the pixel P, at an angle of, forexample, 25° with respect to the y direction similarly to the firstinclined portion S1 ka. Then, the branch portion 62 ae is inclined,within a range from a central portion to an upper end portion of thepixel P, at an angle of, for example, 15° with respect to the ydirection similarly to the second inclined portion S1 kb.

Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 203 issubject to an orientation process by carrying out a rubbing processsetting the rubbing direction to a direction inclined by an angle of 5°in absolute value with respect to the extension direction of the firstinclined portion S1 ka and the extension direction of the secondinclined portion S1 kb as shown in FIG. 9. In short, the liquid crystallayer 203 is subject to an orientation process by carrying out a rubbingprocess so that the angle θ1 between the extension direction of thefirst inclined portion S1 ka and the rubbing direction and the angle θ2between the extension direction of the second inclined portion S1 kb andthe rubbing direction may be equal to each other (in short, θ1=θ2).

By providing the components in such a manner as described above, in thepresent embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 200 is formed so as to havea dual domain structure.

As described above, the liquid crystal panel 200 in the presentembodiment has a dual domain structure wherein two domains are includedin a pixel P, and the inclined portion S1 k of the data line S1 includesthe first inclined portion S1 ka and the second inclined portion S1 kbwhose inclination angles with respect to the y direction are differentfrom each other and the first inclined portion S1 ka and the secondinclined portion S1 kb are provided so as to correspond to one pixel Pin the pixel region PA. Further, the branch portion 62 ae of the pixelelectrode 62 a is formed such that it extends along a direction alongwhich the first inclined portion S1 ka and the second inclined portionS1 kb extend.

Therefore, since, in the present embodiment, that a domain through whichlight is not transmitted appears in the pixel region PA can besuppressed similarly as in the embodiment 1, the light transmittance canbe improved and the image quality can be improved.

<Embodiment 4>

In the following, an embodiment 4 according to the present invention isdescribed.

FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing part of a TFT arraysubstrate 201 with regard to a pixel P provided in a pixel region PA inthe embodiment 4 according to the present invention. FIG. 10 shows twopixels P provided in an even-numbered row and an odd-numbered row amongthe pixels P juxtaposed in the y direction.

The present embodiment is different from the embodiment 1 in a pixelelectrode 62 a and a data line S1 as shown in FIG. 10. Except this, thepresent embodiment is similar to the embodiment 1. Therefore,overlapping description of common components is omitted.

In the data line S1 in the present embodiment, the inclined portion S1 kof the data line S1 includes a first inclined portion S1 ka and a secondinclined portion S1 kb as shown in FIG. 10.

Here, the first inclined portion S1 ka is provided in those of thepixels P juxtaposed in the y direction which belong to one of aneven-numbered row and an odd-numbered row. For example, the firstinclined portion S1 ka is provided so as to correspond to anodd-numbered row. Further, the first inclined portion S1 ka extends in adirection different from the x direction and the y direction in thepixel region PA and inclined with respect to the y direction. This firstinclined portion S1 ka extends, for example, from a lower end portion toan upper end portion of a pixel P in an odd-numbered row. Further, thefirst inclined portion S1 ka preferably extends in a direction inclinedwithin an angular range equal to or greater than 2° but equal to orsmaller than 45° with respect to the y direction in the pixel region PA.In the present embodiment, the first inclined portion S1 ka is inclinedat an angle of, for example, 25°.

Meanwhile, the second inclined portion S2 kb is provided on those of thepixels P juxtaposed in the y direction which belong to one of aneven-numbered row and an odd-numbered row as shown in FIG. 10. Forexample, where the first inclined portion S1 ka is provided so as tocorrespond to an odd-numbered row, the second inclined portion S2 kb isprovided so as to correspond to an even-numbered row. Further, thesecond inclined portion S1 kb extends in a direction different from thex direction and the y direction in the pixel region PA and differentfrom the extension direction in which the first inclined portion S1 kadescribed above extends. This second inclined portion S1 kb extends, forexample, from a lower end portion to an upper end portion of a pixel Pin an even-numbered row. Further, this second inclined portion S1 kbpreferably extends in a direction inclined within an angular range equalto or greater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45° with respect tothe y direction in the pixel region PA. In the present embodiment, thesecond inclined portion S1 kb is inclined at an angle of, for example,15°.

Further, in the pixel electrode 62 a of the present embodiment, thebranch portion 62 ae is formed so as to extend along the direction inwhich the first inclined portion S1 ka and the second inclined portionS1 kb of the inclined portion S1 k extend. In particular, the branchportion 62 ae is inclined, in a pixel P which corresponds to anodd-numbered row from among a plurality of pixels P juxtaposed in the ydirection, at an angle of, for example, 25° with respect to the ydirection similarly to the first inclined portion S1 ka. Further, thebranch portion 62 ae is inclined, in a pixel P which corresponds to aneven-numbered row from among the plural pixels P juxtaposed in the ydirection, at an angle of, for example, 15° with respect to the ydirection similarly to the second inclined portion S1 kb.

Further, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 203 issubject to an orientation process by carrying out a rubbing process in adirection inclined at an angle of 5° in absolute value with respect tothe extension direction of the first inclined portion S1 ka and theextension direction of the second inclined portion S1 kb. In short, theliquid crystal layer 203 is subject to an orientation process bycarrying out a rubbing process so that the angle θ1 between theextension direction of the first inclined portion S1 ka and the rubbingdirection and the angle θ2 between the extension direction of the secondinclined portion S1 kb and the rubbing direction may be equal to eachother (in short, θ1=θ2).

By providing the components in such a manner as described above, in thepresent embodiment, the liquid crystal panel 200 is formed so as to havea pseudo dual domain structure.

As described above, the liquid crystal panel 200 in the presentembodiment has a pseudo dual domain structure wherein domains aredifferent between two different pixels P adjacent each other, and theinclined portion S1 k of the data line S1 includes the first inclinedportion S1 ka and the second inclined portion S1 kb whose inclinationangles with respect to the y direction are different from each other.Further, the first inclined portion S1 ka and the second inclinedportion S1 kb are disposed such that they are juxtaposed alternatelywith each other in a plurality of pixels P juxtaposed in the y directionin the pixel region PA. Further the branch portion 62 ae of the pixelelectrode 62 a is formed such that it extends in the direction in whichthe first inclined portion S1 ka and the second inclined portion S1 kbextend.

Therefore, since, in the present embodiment, that a domain through whichlight is not transmitted appears in the pixel region PA can besuppressed similarly as in the embodiment 1, the light transmittance canbe improved and the image quality can be improved.

In carrying out the present invention, the present invention is notlimited to the embodiments described above, but various modified formscan be adopted.

For example, while, in the embodiments described above, the gate line G1is formed so as to extend in the x direction while the data line S1 isnot formed so as to extend in the y direction but is formed in aninclined relationship, the present invention is not limited to this.Similar effects can be achieved also where, for example, the gate lineG1 is not formed so as to extend in the x direction but is formed in aninclined relationship while the data line S1 is formed so as to extendalong the y direction. Also where the gate line G1 is formed in aninclined relationship with respect to the x direction and the data lineS1 is formed in an inclined relationship with respect to the ydirection, similar effects can be achieved.

Further, for example, in the embodiments described above, the branchportion 62 ae of the pixel electrodes 62 a is formed so as to extendalong the direction along which the inclined portion S1 k of the dataline S1 extends. In short, it is described that the inclination angle ofthe inclined portion S1 k of the data line S1 and the inclination angleof the branch portion 62 ae of the pixel electrode 62 a are madecoincide with each other. However, the present invention is not limitedto this, and the inclination angle of the data line S1 and theinclination angle of the branch portion 62 ae of the pixel electrode 62a may not coincide with each other. However, in order to suppressappearance of a domain through which light is not transmitted, it ispreferable to make the inclination angle of the inclined portion S1 k ofthe data line S1 and the inclination angle of the branch portion 62 aeof the pixel electrode 62 a coincide with each other. Further, while, inthe embodiments described above, positive type liquid crystal is usedfor the liquid crystal layer 203, the present invention is not limitedto this, and negative type liquid crystal may be used for configurationof the liquid crystal layer 203. In this instance, the present inventioncan be applied by reversing the orientation axis by 90°. For example, inFIG. 4, a direction, for example, inclined downwardly by an angle of 5°with respect to the x direction is used as the orientation direction(rubbing direction).

Further, for example, in the present embodiment, the pixel switchingelement 31 described above is configured as a thin film transistor ofthe bottom gate type, the present invention is not limited to this. Forexample, the pixel switching element 31 may be configured using a thinfilm transistor of the top gate type.

Further, for example, in the embodiments described above, the presentinvention is applied to the FFS type, the present invention is notlimited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied, forexample, to the IPS (In-Plane-Switching) type.

Further, the liquid crystal display apparatus 100 of the presentembodiment can be applied as a part of various electronic apparatus. Forexample, the liquid crystal display apparatus 100 can be applied to suchelectronic apparatus as a digital still camera and a video camera.

It is to be noted that, in the embodiments described above, the liquidcrystal display apparatus 100 corresponds to the display apparatus ofthe present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, theliquid crystal panel 200 corresponds to the display panel in the presentinvention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the liquidcrystal layer 203 corresponds to the liquid crystal layer in the presentinvention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the pixelelectrode 62 a corresponds to the pixel electrode in the presentinvention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the trunkportion 62 ak corresponds to the trunk portion in the present invention.Further, in the embodiments described above, the branch portion 62 aecorresponds to the branch portion in the present invention. Further, inthe embodiments described above, the common electrode 62 b correspondsto the common electrode in the present invention. Further, in theembodiments described above, the gate line G1 corresponds to the firstwire line in the present invention. Further, in the embodimentsdescribed above, the data line S1 corresponds to the second wire line inthe present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, theinclined portion S1 k corresponds to the inclined portion in the presentinvention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the firstinclined portion S1 ka corresponds to the first inclined portion in thepresent invention. Further, in the embodiments described above, thesecond inclined portion S1 kb corresponds to the second inclined portionin the present invention. Further, in the embodiments described above,the x direction corresponds to the first direction in the presentinvention. Further, in the embodiments described above, the y directioncorresponds to the second direction in the present invention. Further,in the embodiments described above, the pixel region PA corresponds tothe pixel region in the present invention. Furthermore, in theembodiments described above, the pixel P corresponds to the pixel in thepresent invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid crystal display apparatus comprising: aliquid crystal panel having a pixel region in which a plurality ofpixels are provided in a matrix extending in a first direction and asecond direction perpendicular to the first direction; at least onepixel electrode and a common electrode that apply a transverse electricfield to a liquid crystal layer such that an image is displayed in saidpixel region with light emitted through said liquid crystal layer, theliquid crystal layer having liquid crystal molecules biased to align inan orientation direction by a rubbing, the orientation direction beingdifferent from each of the first direction and the second direction; aplurality of first wire lines disposed in a spaced relationship fromeach other in the second direction with regard to the plurality ofpixels so as to define a plurality of pixels juxtaposed in the seconddirection, the first wire lines extending in a direction that is notperpendicular to the orientation direction; and a plurality of secondwire lines disposed in a spaced relationship from each other in thefirst direction with regard to the plurality of pixels so as to define aplurality of pixels juxtaposed in the first direction, wherein, (a) thepixel electrode is bounded within a region defined by the first andsecond wire lines, (b) the pixel electrode includes a plurality ofbranch portions each having (i) a first branch portion extending in athird direction different from each of the first direction, the seconddirection, and the orientation direction, and (ii) a second branchportion extending in a fourth direction different from the each of thefirst direction, the second direction, and the orientation direction,the first branch portion and the second branch portion being connectedat a pixel bent portion and forming an angle, (c) a plurality of firstbranch portions overlie a first domain and a plurality of second branchportions overlie a second domain, and (d) the common electrode is formedover an entire area of the pixel region.
 2. The liquid crystal displayapparatus of claim 1, wherein the third and fourth directions aredifferent from one another.
 3. The liquid crystal display apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein each of the third and fourth directions is inclined atan angle equal to or greater than 2° but equal to or smaller than 45°with respect to each of the first direction and the second directionwithin the pixel region.
 4. The liquid crystal display apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein each of the third and fourth directions is inclined atan angle of about 45° with respect to each of the first direction andthe second direction within the pixel region.
 5. The liquid crystaldisplay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second wire linesare inclined with respect to the first direction or the seconddirection.
 6. The liquid crystal display apparatus of claim 5, whereineach second wire line includes first second-wire-line portions andsecond second-wire-line portions, the first second-wire-line portionsextending in the third direction which is different from each of thefirst direction, the second direction, and the orientation direction,and the second second-wire-line portions extending in the fourthdirection which is different from each of the first direction, thesecond direction, and the orientation direction.
 7. The liquid crystaldisplay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each second wire lineincludes a plurality of bends each providing: a first extending portionextending in the first direction; and a second extending portionincluding (a) a first second-wire-line portion extending in the thirddirection which is different from each of the first direction, thesecond direction, and the orientation direction, and (b) a secondsecond-wire-line portion extending in the fourth direction which isdifferent from each of the first direction, the second direction, andthe orientation direction, wherein, the second extending portion isshifted in the first direction with respect to other second extendingportion located adjacent to the second extending portion in the seconddirection.
 8. A liquid crystal display apparatus comprising: a liquidcrystal panel having a pixel region at least one pixel; a pixelelectrode and a common electrode that apply a transverse electric fieldto a liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal layer having liquidcrystal molecules biased to align in an orientation direction by arubbing; a plurality of first wire lines disposed in a spacedrelationship from each other in a first direction on opposite sides ofthe pixel, the first lines extending in a direction that is notperpendicular to the orientation direction; a plurality of second wirelines disposed in a spaced relationship from each other in a seconddirection on opposite sides of the pixel, the second direction beingperpendicular to the first direction; and wherein, (a) the orientationdirection is different from each of the first direction and the seconddirection, (b) the pixel electrode is bounded within a region defined bythe first and second wire lines, (c) the pixel electrode includes aplurality of branch portions each having (i) a first branch portionextending in a third direction different from each of the firstdirection, the second direction, and the orientation direction, and (ii)a second branch portion extending in a fourth direction different fromthe each of the first direction, the second direction, and theorientation direction, the first branch portion and the second branchportion being connected at a pixel bent portion and forming an angle,and (d) a plurality of first branch portions overlie a first domain anda plurality of second branch portions overlie a second domain.
 9. Theliquid crystal display apparatus of claim 8, wherein the third andfourth directions are different from one another.
 10. The liquid crystaldisplay apparatus of claim 9, wherein each of the third and fourthdirections is inclined at an angle equal to or greater than 2° but equalto or smaller than 45° with respect to each of the first direction andthe second direction within the pixel region.
 11. The liquid crystaldisplay apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the third and fourthdirections is inclined at an angle of about 45° with respect to each ofthe first direction and the second direction within the pixel region.12. The liquid crystal display apparatus according to claim 8, whereinthe second wire lines are inclined with respect to the first directionor the second direction.
 13. The liquid crystal display apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein each of the second wire line includes firstsecond-wire-line portions and second second-wire line portions, thefirst second-wire-line portions extending in the third direction whichis different from each of the first direction, the second direction, andthe orientation direction, and the second second-wire-line portionsextending in the fourth direction which is different from each of thefirst direction, the second direction, and the orientation direction.14. The liquid crystal display apparatus according to claim 8, whereineach of the second wire lines includes a plurality of bends eachproviding: a first extending portion extending in the first direction;and a second extending portion including (a) a first second-wire-lineportion extending in the third direction which is different from each ofthe first direction, the second direction, and the orientationdirection, and (b) a second second-wire-line portion extending in afourth direction which is different from each of the first direction,the second direction, and the orientation direction, wherein, the secondextending portion is shifted in the first direction with respect toother second extending portion located adjacent to the second extendingportion in the second direction.